Latest BrahMos supersonic cruise missile tests were special: Here's why

BrahMos, billed as one of the fastest cruise missiles in the world, has a top speed of Mach 2.8. It was successfully tested in two consecutive launches on Monday and Tuesday

The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile was successfully test-fired for a second consecutive day on Tuesday, with major subsystems manufactured indigenously under the 'Make in India' initiative being tested. The missile, which was fired from the Integrated Test Range located in Odisha's coastal Balasore district, lifted off from its mobile autonomous launcher and successfully flew its pre-set trajectory, fulfilling its mission objectives. 

BrahMos is a joint venture between India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya. The cruise missile has been operationalised by the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force. 

On Monday, the BrahMos cruise missile